Numerical analysis of Roll Bond Photovoltaic Thermal working as a condenser during nighttime. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Basalike, Pie; Peng, Wang; Zhang, Jili; Lu, Shixiang
• Is Part Of: Renewable energy. Volume 181(2022)
• Page Start: 194
• Page End: 206
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: RB-PVT condenser -- Natural cold -- Numerical study -- Model validity -- Design -- Optimization; Renewable energy sources -- Periodicals; Power resources -- Periodicals; Énergies renouvelables -- Périodiques; Ressources énergétiques -- Périodiques; 333.794
• DOI: 10.1016/j.renene.2021.09.061
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0960-1481

Abstract

Abstract: The current study analyses the heat transfer characteristics of Roll Bond Photovoltaic Thermal (RB-PVT) unit. In PVT heat pump system, RB-PVT unit acts as a condenser to recover the waste heat of solar energy resource especially by taking advantages of natural cold of the sky, during nighttime. A 3D model of the RB-PVT unit was numerically investigated. Firstly, model validity was ensured with a 7.25% maximum discrepancy among simulation and experiment results. Secondly, a validated model was re-designed to the optimum dimensions and a reduction in size of RB-PVT unit system was achieved. With this reduction, either the costs are minimized or more systems are fitted in the same area. The maximum heat dissipation flux of an optimized model was determined to be 12.5% more than that of the experiment. The increase in heat dissipation flux of an optimized RB-PVT unit model may speed up ice formation process and thereby meeting the cooling load demand. Lastly, a sensitivity analysis based on an optimized RB-PVT unit model was carried out to propose the optimum operating parameters in terms of weather and refrigerant flow. Highlights: A 3D model of RB-PVT unit was numerically solved and validated with experiment. Optimum parameters of RB-PVT unit system, were determined. Heat dissipation flux of RB-PVT unit system was improved up to 12.5%. Operating conditions in terms of emissivity, weather and flow, were suggested.